Marine Patrol Deputy

Under the general supervision of the Sheriff or designated supervisor, the Marine Patrol Deputy performs law enforcement and public safety duties on Branch County waterways. Responsibilities include enforcement of marine laws, boating safety regulations, accident investigation, emergency response, public education, and patrol of county lakes and waterways to protect life and property.

• Patrol county lakes, rivers, and waterways using assigned patrol vessels.
• Enforce Michigan marine safety laws, boating regulations, and applicable criminal statutes.
• Conduct vessel inspections, safety checks, and boating compliance enforcement.
• Respond to boating accidents, emergencies, water rescues, distress calls, and public complaints.
• Investigate marine accidents and incidents; prepare reports and maintain documentation.
• Issue citations, warnings, and make arrests in accordance with departmental policies and state law.
• Monitor waterways for impaired boating, reckless operation, overcrowding, and unsafe conditions.
• Assist in search and rescue, water recovery, and emergency management operations.
• Educate boaters and the public on boating safety, navigation rules, life jacket requirements, and water safety best practices.
• Provide law enforcement presence during holidays, special events, fireworks, tournaments, and other high‑traffic periods.
• Inspect, clean, fuel, and maintain assigned marine patrol equipment, vessels, trailers, radios, and safety gear.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, DNR, and emergency response agencies.
• Attend training and maintain required certifications.
• Testify in court as necessary.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain boating safety certification.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification or ability to obtain within established timeframe.
• Ability to swim and perform water rescue functions.

• Prior law enforcement or corrections experience.
• Prior marine patrol, boating, or water rescue experience.
• Knowledge of Michigan boating laws and marine safety regulations.
• Experience operating boats, trailers, and marine equipment.

• Knowledge of law enforcement principles, criminal law, and marine regulations.
• Ability to safely operate patrol boats under varying weather and water conditions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency and enforcement situations.
• Strong communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, agencies, and the public.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to board, launch, dock, and operate marine vessels.
• Ability to swim, tread water, and perform rescue‑related duties.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, climb, kneel, and maneuver on unstable surfaces.

Work is performed primarily outdoors on county waterways with exposure to sun, heat, cold, rain, wind, water hazards, noise, and fuel‑related odors. Evening, weekend, holiday, and emergency response hours are frequently required during boating season.

Position Marine Patrol Deputy

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position is currently accepting applications.